Quit playing...Church!!!

Playing Church = PhariseeIC!

You've seen it, I've seen it. You SEE it, I SEE it! People faking it all the while hoping to make it. When I worked in the drug rehabilitation field, we used to say, "Fake it 'til you make it!" Meaning I know it's hard to live a drug free life, but pretend like you are living drug free or want to live free and then You will be drug free! OR I know you have a hard time applying these AA &  NA principles, but pretend like you are applying them and you will reap the benefits! (Maybe this concept is the reason we have a revolving door in recovery programs...and many state agencies making big bucks off those walking through those doors, but I digress.) I'm sure there was a well meaning thought behind this statement, but the truth of the matter is; if you are FAKING (regardless of what it is), you are FAKING! Plain and simple. You can't make REAL what you keep FAKING!

It is sad to see that so many Christians are doing just that: FAKING IT! Speaking Chrisitianese* all the while not applying any of it, nor realizing the devil that they are calling a liar, is really themselves! Now before anyone gets all bent out of shape. I am not calling anyone the devil. I am just recognizing the spirit behind the lie whose native tongue is a lie. Satan himself cannot speak truth.[John 8:44  You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.] When a person FAKES his or her Christiandom, he or she is a LIE and the TRUTH cannot be found in him(or her).Simply put, if you aren't living Christ, then you ain't believing Christ!

.John 5:39-40 says, "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life." 

Have you ever heard   Ok. You know when you encounter people who knows the Christianese of our day...ok let me break it down, "I am blessed. God's got me. I am going to reach my destiny. I am on my journey... I claim it. It is so! etc, etc!" Now, do get me wrong. I am not clear of ever thinking like this..I know I have claimed some things in my prayers. I have agreed with the Word in my prayers and hopes. My point is those who speak (and perhaps...believe) these terms and yet lives a life contrary to the Word the so-claim to live by. Their life does NOT reflect the God they claim to be their God. Faking it...trying to make it. 


The Setting: Jesus is speaking to the Jews who were trying to kill Him. They wanted Jesus because He said that God the Father was His very own Father, thus making Himself equal to the God of the Jews.A God whose Name they weren't permitted to speak. YHWH.  Not only this- but Jesus was breaking the law of the Sabbath by healing people. Jesus goes on to explain that He has authority from the Father because the Father gives it to Him. THEN He goes on to say that He, the Son will judge them in the end. Once more, He tells them that there are those who witness of Him, i.e. God the Father, John the Baptist and Moses.  The one God they claim to worship, the writings of the one who they claim to follow and obey, and the one they murdered....He says to them,"and you do not have his Word abiding in you, for you do not believe the One whom He has sent." John 5:38 Basically, you don't know God because you really don't read your Bible because you don't believe Me. (It's amazing what you can gather about someone just by the words that come out of their mouths).

You see, the Pharisees 'kept' the Scriptures. They kept them OUTWARDLY. But they didn't KNOW Him! They did NOT the Holy Scriptures in their hearts. They did not KNOW Him. THIS- IS -WHY- THEY- DID -NOT -RECOGNIZE- HIM!!! Why they wanted to kill Him!!!..... He was not in them.   Do you quote the promises of God and not KNOW the Promise, Himself and His desires for You? You hear me?

So how say you (or me)?
Are you merely saying with your mouth that you glorify God with your heart, mind, soul...all the while trampling over the Word of God by the way you LIVE....Lord help us!

Christ asks, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them," Luke 6:46........"

Lord, I pray that, daily, I make it my ambition to know You more and more by Your Word. I pray the same for Christians everywhere. Lord, I want to make Your Name known. It is my passion. I pray that I will lead my children to make the Glory of Your Name known throughout the earth. I don't want to fake it... for Your sake, Your Name Sake. Amen.

TO BE CONTINUED :What will happen to the children of the people who are faking playing church? Where will they Spend eternity? If We fake it and won't make it. What Happens to our children who are watching us?

Who's Willing?.......JESUS IS

Who is willing to
>overlook the ignorance
>Stand past the smell
>Sit past the time
>To touch the dirty
>Stay past the headache
>Forget how you feel
>Look past the "ugly"(""=so called)
>Help the unhelpable or unhelpful
>Give even when It's presumed wasted
>Be last
>Not look at the outer, but see the inner need for Christ
>LOVE SACRIFICIALLY?
~~~~~~~~~~~> Jesus. And THOSE who have a passion for Him.


a poem I wrote 7/23/2012

A New Creation

It is written, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

This verse speaks to how we as Christians should live our life on this earth. It does not just speak to our overall life  as a Christian, as in what has changed in the destination of our soul because of Christ' sacrifice. But, it speaks to how we are to live out our life, in the flesh, daily. You see, there is a certain way, a NEW way in which we as Christians should think, act and speak. I think we look at this verse and say, "yes, I agree, I am new creation because I am no longer going to hell, I am going to heaven because I believe in Jesus Christ." Well now, my question to you is, What impact does your faith in Jesus Christ, that He did died on the cross, that He was buried, and that He was raised from the dead and you are now a NEW creation, have on your life?

How does this TRUTH display itself in your daily life? In your thoughts? In your actions?

No, for real.

Are you a Christian that lives a life of sin? Do you still curse people out or lash out people when you are rubbed the wrong way? Do you feel the need to be heard regardless......Are you shacking up and living a life of fornication before the Lord and calling what you have 'blessed'? Or maybe  you live a life of pointing fingers or blaming others, for whatever. People who blame others do so to get the focus off them or plainly put, do not want to take responsibility for themselves or their actions?

So just what does this mean for the Christian believer? This means, I have NO EXCUSE! I cannot curse someone out or lash out at them just because they made me mad. I cannot. If I do, I have no Biblical support in doing this and bring reproach upon myself. I DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT! I do not have the right to withhold forgiveness, kindness from anyone for whatever reason. If I do, I have no Biblical support and I bring reproach upon myself. And I DON'T HAVE PERMISSION! I do not have permission to sin against God just because someone has sinned against God! Example, I'm guilty of holding this philosophy in the past, "I will will hurt you, because you hurt me" or plainly put, "She had an affair, so now I can have an affair". You get the point. If I decide to do this, I have no Biblical support and I bring reproach upon myself.  Whatever we do, even in the heat of things, we are to do it unto the Lord! {Colossians 3:23}

When living a life in Christ we are admonished to acquire a Holy Ambition to preach Christ, to Live A Holy Life so that Christ can be known, and His Name can be preached that the lost maybe found! It is an Ambition for our lifetime, not when just when I go to church, school, or work... but every minute, every second....every breathe. Once we have counted the cost of following the Christ and have decided and confessed Him as our Lord and Savior, THEN is when we have given up our EXCUSES, our RIGHTS, and  our PERMISSIONS for the sake of Christ! Living a life in Christ is WHAT WE CHRISTIAN BELIEVERS DO!!! Not perform!

Colossians is a great book. Colossians 3 is one of the most lovinglyconvicting* chapter for me. I find myself in every line. It tells of HOW I are to live this life, not for myself, but for Christ and His Glory. Check this out!

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are of above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God."- Colossians 3:1-3

"We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." Romans 15:1-2 Well this just nullifies our right, excuses and so called permissions to tell anyone off! "Going OFF" on someone doesn't make you wise, smart or look good. It just shows you are being DISOBEDIENT to God's Word.

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:10 "the life in the flesh I live by faith" We should live this life by  faith, in obedience to Christ. Again, NO EXCUSES. How can you say Christ lives in you as you are shacking up with your boyfriend or girlfriend? NO! He is far from you! Can the Holy Spirit sin? Can He tempt you to sin? NO!!! This is a part of the OLD selfish ways, not of the NEW!

Sidenote: For those who are Chrisitians and have a Holy Ambition to please the Lord in ALL they do but fall and get back up and fall and get back up...this is NOT who I am speaking of or to..... none of us are without sin. Romans 3:23 says, "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." I am speaking of those who say I am a BELIeVER and FOLLOWER of Christ but lifestyle reflects ONLY SELF & the ways of this WORLD.

"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life." John 5:39-40 CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? People read the Word of God and don't even think about Jesus! WhattheWhat!!! I know you have heard it because I have heard it so many times, "Satan knows the Word!" Yes. He does. He knows what it says and still tries to defy it and get around it..my question is,"WHY DO WE THINK WE CAN'T DO THE SAME!"

Some Christians are deceived in believing they are living a BLESSED life of sin. They give off just enough "Jesusness"* so people will leave them alone, all the while deceived and missing out on the FULLNESS of God's blessing of knowing WHOSE THEY ARE and All that comes with just being HIS!!!
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places, even as he chose us before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.......{I LOVE THAT}.......for this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him, having your eyes enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe....." Ephesians 1:3-4,15-19a



How does this TRUTH display itself in your daily life? In your thoughts? In your actions? 

That YOU ARE BLESSED AND YOU HIS!!!  Let's LIVE LIKE IT!!!

*WordsIMadeUp

RE-ENFORCEMENTS

I used to have a negative view of the word "Reenforce". Better yet, it was intimidating! It was almost over-bearing. I am not for sure why I felt this way about this particular word. Today, my thoughts are not the same, praise God!!!! Walking out my faith on this earth, I sure do need some re-enforcers in my life. I have some really great sisters (Christians whether blood related on earth or not), that love me and support and speak God's truth to me over and over again. I PRAISE GOD for them. I really like Merriam-Webster's definitions. Yes, ALL three. Here they are:

1.to strengthen by additional assistance, material, or support : make stronger or more pronounced 
2 to strengthen or increase by fresh additions 
3to stimulate (as an experimental animal or a student) with a reinforcer; also : to encourage (a response) with a reinforcer

This re-enforcement, for me, comes in the way of friends, family, and most of all the Holy Spirit, Himself. David said in Psalm 73:2  "But as for me, I almost lost my footing.My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone." He tells of his complaining, etc., etc. then picks up in  verse 17, "Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and then I realized...." Isn't that just beatutiful! No wonder David begins the chapter with, "Truly God is good to Israel,to those whose hearts are pure." The Lord is Good and He has given us His Word to RE-ENFORCE His Truths and His Promises. He sends us brothers from another mother and sisters from another mister to correct us, encourage us, love us, and perhaps, rebuke us as we walk by faith! Sometimes, we even have someone else to usher us into the Sanctuary of the Lord! This has been true for me, many of times.

O, How I love the Lord for His Faithfulness! He, alone, is Thee Faithful One!!! I depend on Him> He is my Ultimate Re-Enforcer! He is My Support, My Strengthener! The Lord is Good!

How can you become  that friend that can be counted on to uphold, love, support? By being just what this picture says, below.

Being available to someone is what a true friend IS! Keeping it truthful and real as in not playing the "perfect" role or trying to 'keep it all together'. Nope, just being the new you, in Christ, who realizes that she(or he) is still in the 'in-between' stage of being a New Creature in Christ without the manifestations of the Glorified Body that IS soon to come! As my Pastor back home once said, The Already, but Not Yet State! Love it!

I admonish you to look around. Do you see someone who could use a brother or sister to hold up there arms on this faith walk? I know you do, I see a few from where I'm stitting!

YOU TALK TOO MUCH AND YOU NEVER SHUT UP!!!

Remember that song by Run DMC?!!! "You talk too much and you never shut up!!!" Oh, I don't want to be known as that person!!! But I can Talk TOO MUCH sometimes.

I STRUGGLE with talking too much. Especially, if it's with a good friend, mmhmm, girrrrrrl! Unfortunately, talking too much is not one of the Gifts of the Spirit or else I'd be ever-so Holy! But 'talking too much' will most always lead to sin. Can you believe that!?! The Bible even speaks of this in Proverbs 10:19, "When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent." Did you read that?  "Transgression or sin is NOT lacking"!!! Oh, help me NOW!!! I have always considered myself "wise", even as a child. Mostly because my middle name is 'Sophia', and we all know 'Sophia' in Greek means "wisdom"! (Come on now!) So there you have it, I am wise! Whoa Whoa! Hold up but this verse also says, "..whoever restrains his lips is prudent (or wise)". Hmmmm.... that sort of changes things a bit!  Don't get me wrong, I do believe that I am a wise person, ONLY by the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior. However, I do know that I can and  do lack wisdom in areas where sin comes easy to me.

It is my ambition to live a Holy life and to RE-present Christ to the  world, including my close friends. Oh Lord, It is my prayer to be ON-GUARD, to be ready to speak edifying, truthful and faithful words! I don't want to waste any words in conversations that don't bring glory to Your Name, even if it's with my sisters in the Lord (whathewhat!). I don't want to talk too much. It's not sexy pretty. Nor is it what Your require of me. Help me practice self-restraint in all areas. I do not want to malign the Word of God! (Titus 2:5)






Is this an issue for you as well? Do you have a good friend who can and will hold you accountable in your conversations with him/her? How has the Lord redeemed you in this area?

May Family

December 16, 2011

Dear Family and Friends,

 “For unto us a child is born, to us as Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.” Isaiah 9:6-7a

Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Joseph and I would like to share the ‘happenings’ of our life throughout the past eight years! We are blessed to share this life here on earth as husband and wife! God has made us a perfect fit for one another. The first 5 years of marriage voyaged quickly from bliss->real life-> you’re getting on my nerves/I can’t stand you-> to rest finally on what the Lord has purposed in our marriage and the Love that binds us!  We both know we are only at this place because of God’s wisdom, His promises and His people who have come along side us. Ephesians 5 has been a great reference for us- Paul starts out in verse one saying “Be imitators of God”. Well, if you ask me, that’s a whole lot to get “right” in the first four words. If we are imitating God, then there is little to complain about, in any area of our marriage.

Within these first five years we were given the pleasure to care for and train three beautiful souls. Amber -7, Brooklyn -6, and Curran -4. {Of course, some of you know we have a baby is heaven Joseph Maurio May, Jr. (MC December 2003)}. After the loss of our unborn child, God gave us comfort and encouragement in the verses written in Psalm 127: 3-5 

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are the sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

We find these words so encouraging as it reminds us of our purpose as parents. That is, to raise our children to contend with their enemies (ultimately Satan, but any thing that distracts them from their God given purpose on this earth) in the gate (their heart, thus their souls). Whether we like it or not, once we bore our children, they entered into to battle with us! We are pleased that God saw fit for us to raise three beautiful children- and who knows how many more!!!

All three, have confessed Jesus as the Son of God, that He died on the Cross for their sins and invited Him into their hearts as their Lord and Savior! Amber and Brooklyn made their statement of faith known by being baptized earlier this month! We are eager to see what the Lord will do in their lives as they learn of His ways and develop in their own personal relationships with Him. We are overly blessed to call them, our children AND our fellow brother and sisters in Christ! Our children are the only possessions we can take with us into eternity, heaven or hell.

We have shared with you about the first five years. So let us now share with you about the commencing of the second five! Joseph began 2009 without a job and continued to be jobless for the first four or five months. But, experienced more blessings during that time than any other time in our lives combined! David said in Psalm 37:25 “I was young and now I old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” Now, we are not declaring that we are old, but we are declaring the FAITHFULNESS of our God. He is just that good. Have you tried Him? In fact, the verse below says “They are always generous and lend freely and their children will be blessed.” This has been a testament for us as well- never before have we been able to give more to others via our time, prayers, clothing, food, etc. than during this time. ONLY God can make that kind of math work!

Joseph began working in late spring for two children’s homes. What a wonderful leader and provider I (Tamika) have for a husband and my children have for a father. Both of these jobs paid very little money. But there is the lady from our church who came to me a called me blessed and my husband a “real man”. She said, “Only a real man would accept a minimum paying job to provide for his family while he humbly waits for the right one to come along.” I was so encouraged by this- so much so that I couldn’t wait to encourage Joseph with those very words.

In October 2009 (or shortly before), Joseph joined the United States Army. We are now stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia. The Lord has provided us with awesome sisters and brothers in Christ! We have grown so much in our faith, our walk, and in what it means to be the “hands and feet of Jesus”. We count ourselves blessed. But, enough of that or this letter will be ten pages long!

We are still homeschooling. Curran joined the fun, this year! He sort of comes in and out! I become more and grateful for the privilege to teach my children at home. Especially, when the light bulb pops on or I see them taking the initiative to learn and help each other! I love that I know their learning styles; it just illuminates the work of the Lord in knitting them together.

Now, that we have gotten you all up to date. Tell us what’s been going on with you. We’d love to hear from you. Our address is at the top of the first page. We hope to continue updating our family and friends during this Christmas season. We look for forward to sharing with you, again, in 2012 if the Lord tarries.

We pray this Christmas season is most holy and sacred, as you remember the birth of our Lord and Savior and look to His Coming Again!

           

            Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Two Warriors & Three Arrows,

Joseph and Tamika

Amber, Brooklyn and Curran

Be subject to their OWN husbands...

Yep! That is what Ephesians 5:22 says, " Wives, be subject to your own husband, as to the Lord"
Early in Chapter 5 of Ephesians, beginning with verse 1 Paul instructs us to be imitators of Christ as beloved children, for this is a pleasing sacrifice and fragrant aroma unto the Lord.(paraphrased). I am to imitate the Lord, first as a Christian. Second, because I am a Christian, an imitator of Christ, I must be subject to my own husband. When, I am imitating Christ by be subject to my own husband, this pleases the Lord and He looks upon me as His beloved child. Thank You Jesus! It's just like when your child(ren) obey you all day or before others, you look at them as the parent with this smile in adornment! Because You are proud to call him/her your child.
Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. ²And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.


In verse 21, it says we are to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ!" Because I revere the Name of the Lord and because I acknowledge His as my Lord, I submit to my husband and He, I.


The Lord is most pleased with us when we are FULLY satisfied in the act of obedience laid out in His Word for us! 


Glory be to GOD!